From:
Swift, Marilla
Sent:
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 9:58 am
To:
Stubbs, Bruce
Cc:
Dravitzki, Nigel; Potae, Renee
Subject:
Volvo 4WD
1982
Hey there,
ACT
Hope you don’t mind but I’d just like to make an official National Park bid for the new Volvo 4WD for next winter. I
know that many people automatically see Ohakune as the natural location for this truck. I’m not sure why as the data
does not back this up. I believe it makes more sense both numerically and functionally to have the truck at National Park
for several reasons:
1. As it’s prime use is as 4WD to make access up the mountain roads safer, there is a considerably higher logic to it
being placed in National Park. Our life risk and call rate up the mountain road is many times higher than
Ohakune 757 up their side.
-
Iwikau Village has a significant life risk (sleeping and active population). During winter the overnight
population is approx. 1500 in Iwikau Village and many of the huts use wood burners. Ohakune Road
has 0 overnight population. That information alone speaks for itself.
-
The Whakapapa mountain road is at its most treacherous overnight and restricted to chains or 4WD
INFORMATION
for approx. a quarter of the days between June and October. Furthermore, the ski season is a 6 weeks
longer at Whakapapa than Turoa due to the early start at Queens birthday with the Snow factory –
this is approximately 25% more season for responses up the mountain road on the north side of the
mountain than on the south. The need is greater on the Bruce Road than on the Turoa Road
-
Iwikau Village houses 660kg of anhydrous ammonia for the snow factory which is a significant hazmat
risk at the top of the mountain road, there is no equivalent risk at Turoa.
-
Whakapapa ski area has nearly twice the skier capacity of Turoa ensuring a higher volume of traffic
using the road increasing the risk of MVA.
OFFICIAL
-
Whakapapa ski area have the gondala operating for a large part of summer so the volume of traffic all
year is higher.
THE
2. At National Park, as we are a one pump brigade, the Volvo would see more action. It would go to every one of
our calls. At Ohakune as the 7 truck, it would only go to a fraction of their calls, many of which are 1 truck or
tanker requests. In reality I think their 7 a similar number to our 1 in total turnouts.
3. National Park is 200m higher in altitude than Ohakune which means it sees snow earlier and the roads Nati281
respond to are higher still; SH47 and SH48 are all higher altitude the national park. Whakapapa Ski area has a
higher base area than Turoa. Together, as can been seen for the data I collected from NZTA for the snow and ice
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driver training, the roads around National Park are shut due to snow and ice more often than those around
Ohakune. The need on the normal state highways is greater for National Park. This year we responded to 4 calls
with chains on from the station itself.
4. Nati281 has less experienced drivers on the whole meaning that a safer and easier vehicle to drive will benefit
those who need it’s assistance most. Ohakune has experienced truck drivers who manage the older truck
better.
5. Nati281 has had a great response rate consistently over the last few years. The Covid Mandate is going to
hamper us somewhat for drivers but I have 2 new drivers I’m working hard to get up to speed and I have just
signed up 9 new recruits of which hopefully most will go through. 2 of my new recruits are already Class 2
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drivers so I will be working with them to progress to driving as is appropriate. Night time poses the greatest life
risk and that is when we will be least at risk to a K0. So, even in these difficult times, I am confident that by next
winter our drivers will be up to strength and turnout will continue to be 99%. Even in the worst case scenario,
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Stubbs, Bruce
Sent:
Friday, 15 July 2022 12:58 pm
To:
Hotter, John
Cc:
Moran, Mike; Downey, Bernard; Dravitzki, Nigel; Pedley, Keith
Subject:
RE: New 4wd
1982
Kia ora Luigi,
ACT
My apologies for the delay in responding to your email below.
The decision for the new Type 1 4WD appliance to be trialled at National Park is final.
Sophie will be looking to schedule my next District visits in the near future, I intend to come up and spend some time
with you when I am next in the Manawatū-Whanganui District.
Nāku noa
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
INFORMATION
Te Ūpoko Rohe
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
OFFICIAL
M: 9(2)(a)
P: 9(2)(a)
THE
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5
Minutes”
From: Hotter, John UNDER
Sent: Tuesday, 31 May 2022 1:03 PM
To: Stubbs, Bruce
Cc: Moran, Mike ; Downey, Bernard ; Dravitzki, Nigel ; Pedley, Keith
Subject: RE: New 4wd
Hi Bruce
RELEASED
I thought I had replied to this to ask for a call to discuss this but must not have done it.
Is there anything I go do to convince you that Ohakune would be a better location even for the trial?
I have just looked at the call numbers from 1st Jan and National Park have had 19 calls compared to Ohakune 83 calls.
Regards
1982
Luigi Hotter
Chief Fire Officer
Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade
Wanganui / Manawatu District
ACT
M: 9(2)(a)
P: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
INFORMATION
From: Stubbs, Bruce
Sent: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 4:58 p.m.
To: Hotter, John <[email address]>
OFFICIAL
Cc: Moran, Mike <[email address]>; Downey, Bernard <[email address]>;
Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
Subject: RE: New 4wd
THE
Kia ora Luigi,
Yes, I can confirm that the new Type 1 4WD appliance is almost ready to be trialled.
We will be trailing it in two locations with differing environments.
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winter (snow and ice conditions) and,
summer (beach and sand conditions).
The two locations selected are Ahipara and National Park.
Note: the location where the appliance will go once the trial has been completed is yet to be determined, as there are
many locations that need to be considered one of which is Ohakune.
I can give you a call to discuss more if you wish, just let me know.
RELEASED
Nāku noa
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
Te Ūpoko Rohe
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
1982
M: 9(2)(a)
P: 9(2)(a)
ACT
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5
Minutes”
From: Hotter, John <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 18 March 2022 2:51 PM
To: Stubbs, Bruce <[email address]>
Cc: Moran, Mike <[email address]>; Downey, Bernard <[email address]>
Subject: New 4wd
INFORMATION
To Bruce Stubbs, Regional Commander.
Dear Bruce
As the grape vine speaks, I have heard that a new 4wd appliance is soon to roll out and the CFO of National Park has
OFFICIAL
requested that the appliance be located at National Park and you have agreed to that. This may not be fact and just
Chinese whispers. I would appreciate if you clarify this.
I wish to point out at the last roll out of a 4wd appliance, which we believe was about 2015, there was discussion at the
THE
time as to whether that appliance was to be located at Ohakune or Queenstown. Queenstown was chosen,
Queenstown’s old truck (1997 now 25 years old and at end of life) moved to Ohakune under the guarantee the next one
was to be located at Ohakune replacing Queenstown’s old truck that was relocated at the time. We didn’t realize that
the next to roll out would take another seven years.
There are serval other factors for this new truck to be located in Ohakune as the previous managers had determined.
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Location, Manning and Experience of current staff.
National Park is not the first callout to the mountain as Whakapapa cover whakapapa side and Ohakune covers Turoa
side along with backup on the Desert Road SH1 and the closest 4wd to Tukino Ski Area, this road is restricted to 4wd
vehicles most of the winter.
The south side of the mountain and surrounding terrain receive more snow than the north side. In a snow storm which
are predominately from the south, the air is driven up as it hits the mountain, losing most of the moisture before
reaching the northern side. Also as the southern side receives less solar radiation the ice is thicker stays longer on the
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southern side. The Ohakune Mountain road to Turoa is 17km long as opposed to the Bruce Road of 6km. As there is
accommodation at Whakapapa and not at Turoa, all visitors to Turoa must travel this road up and down daily. Skier
numbers are similar now on both sides.
Ohakune currently has 29 members made up of 3 officers, 4 SFF, 4 QFF, 9 FF, 6 RFF. Within that there are 7 drivers of
which 3 are heavy and light 4wd qualified. We have another 3 completed the pump course and are booked to complete
the ERD drivers course this weekend. These drivers are very experienced in driving in snow and ice and some are
previous bus drivers and operators on the mountain road.
Ohakune calls currently sit at 60 since the new year.
We also have the major hazard facility being Winstone Pulp International.
1982
I would be more than happy to speak about this in more depth.
Regards
ACT
Luigi Hotter
Chief Fire Officer
Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade
Wanganui / Manawatu District
INFORMATION
M: 9(2)(a)
P: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Potae, Renee
Sent:
Wednesday, 28 September 2022 5:39 pm
To:
Summerhays, Aaron; Dravitzki, Nigel
Subject:
4WD Appliances for the Central Plateau
1982
Kia ora korua,
Thank you for the opportunity for National Park Brigade to be able to be part of the trial of the Volvo 4WD Appliance. It
ACT
has been going very well so far. If the design is approved and accepted, and builds begin, I would like to express interest
in bringing these appliances to the Ruapehu Group.
It would be greatly advantageous to the brigades to improve capacity to safely navigate the conditions of our unique
environment – as noted in the paper written up for the NZ Fire Service in 2012 by Bruce Crosbie, John Allardyce and
Mike Moran, “2WD vs 4WD Trial Findings”, and as noted in my recent correspondence with you.
If Group 82 Ruapehu were able to receive two of these vehicles, it would serve us well to have one at Ohakune and one
at National Park. National Park Village has an elevation of 825m above sea level and the brigade may experience snow /
ice conditions at any time during winter, including when responding to Whakapapa and Iwikau Villages and the
Whakapapa Ski Area. Ohakune, at 590m, experiences similar conditions including responding to Turoa Ski Field,
Waiouru and the Dessert road. Ohakune brigade currently utilises a 1997 Isuzu 4WD as Pump Rescue Tender (PRT),
INFORMATION
which is very dated especially when considering the call numbers that Ohakune experiences.
If we were to receive one Volvo 4WD, (or one at a time), and if it is possible for the Volvo to be kitted out as a Pump
Rescue Tender, I would recommend that the new 4WD appliance replace the 1997 Isuzu at Ohakune, and National
Park’s 2009 Iveco be fitted with Flick Chains. This way, each brigade’s capacity to respond in winter conditions is
improved. If another 4WD Volvo were then allocated to National Park, Owhango’s Iveco (still to arrive) could be fitted
with the Flick chains. Owhango are on first alarm turnouts to National Park and Whakapapa for several incident types,
especially as PRT.
OFFICIAL
Please let me know if I can share any more information or feel free to contact me as always.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
THE
Naku noa,
Na Renee Pōtae AMNZFBI
Group Manager – Kaiwhakahaere Rōpū
Manawatū - Whanganui
M: 9(2)(a)
UNDER
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
RELEASED
From:
Potae, Renee
Sent:
Thursday, 8 August 2024 2:30 pm
To:
Dravitzki, Nigel; Gold, Craig
Cc:
Webb, Martin
Subject:
Fleet update and considerations - Ruapehu
1982
Good afternoon,
ACT
We have heard from our local mechanic who is currently fitting Flick Chains to Ohakune's Appliance,
that a Volvo 4WD Appliance is on it's way for National Park. The National Park 2wd appliance has just
had Flick Chains fitted.
*If this is correct, I would like to request that the Flick chains be moved from National Park 281, to the
Ruapehu Relief Appliance which is unable to have regular chains fitted due to the size of the snow tyres
and insufficient gap between the rear tyres.
*Also, and I know this one is a long shot, but can I request it to be considered that the 2wd Type 1 at
National Park replace Manunui 261: 1996 Mitsubishi Appliance. The call numbers and risk at Manunui
INFORMATION
have increased since the opening and operation of the King Country Pet Food Factory. The brigade have
not had a change of Appliance since receiving their current one approximately 25 years ago.
Out of Scope
Kind regards,
OFFICIAL
Renee Pōtae AMNZFBI
Group Manager – Kaiwhakahaere Rōpū
Manawatū - Whanganui
THE
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Stubbs Bruce
To:
SDOperationsLT
Subject:
Volvo Type 1 4WD allocation
Date:
Monday, 14 July 2025 10:36:00 am
Attachments:
image002.png
Kia ora Koutou,
Proposed allocations of the 3 new Volvo Type 1 4WD and subsequent cascade of their current appliances is as follows.
Send me through your endorsement, if needed we can discuss further over the next few days.
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Ohakune 757, current 1998 Isuzu T1 4WD appliance is cascaded to Chatham Islands, current 1987 4WD T1/T2 Hino is retired (consider donation to Air Chathams – remains on island)
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Queenstown 411, current 2015 Isuzu T1 4WD appliance is cascaded to National Park, current 2011 2WD T1 Iveco cascaded into T1 fleet with location TBC.
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Onetangi 411, current 2020 Iveco T1 2WD appliance is cascaded into T1 fleet with location TBC.
2022 to 2024
Current appliance
Call sign
Cat
Location
Region
calls average
Make & Model
type
Age
Form of ownership
Volvo allocation option
Rationale
Busiest current 4WD excluding Ahipara that
QUEE767
PRT
Queenstown
5
65
2015 Isuzu FSS550 HFS184
Type 1 - 4x4
10
FENZ Owned
Y
already has a Volvo
Next busiest current 4WD excluding Ahipara
that already has a Volvo T1 4WD
(prototype) – Isuzu suited for Chatham
OHAK757
PRT
Ohakune
3
45
1998 Isuzu FTS750 Crew WS2552
Type 1 - 4x4 – CAFS
27
FENZ Owned
Y
Islands service agent.
First of the additional region requests to
ONET411
Pump
Onetangi
1
152
2020 Iveco Eurocargo ML120 MQG88
Type 1 (2WD)
5
FENZ Owned
change to from T1 4WD to 4WD
High priority replacement required - age of
vehicle
1982
Appliance is now prone to breakdowns with
parts and servicing an issue and is of
significant concern.
Retired and donated to Air Chatham’s
CHAT881
Pump
Chatham Island
3
3
1984 Hino FT175 EEQ247
Type 1 - 4x4
41
FENZ Owned
(remains on island)
Type 1 (2WD with
Longstanding request for 4WD to serve
NATI281
Pump
National Park
3
47
2011 Iveco Eurocargo ML120 FUL986
flick chains)
14
FENZ Owned
Y
volcanic plateau area and ski field(s),
Other T1 4WD stations not considered due to their current appliance allocation
ACT
Ahipara (Aux)
Te Hiku
75
2021 Volvo FL10 NUR401
Type 1 - 4x4
Ahuroa
Te Hiku
56
2017 Isuzu FSS 550 KNQ392
Type 1 - 4x4
Hunua
Te Hiku
48
2017 Isuzu FSS 550 KPR174
Type 1 - 4x4
Aoraki (Mt Cook)
Te Ihu
26
2017 Isuzu FSS 550 KLS914
Type 1 - 4x4
Nāku noa
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
Te Ūpoko Rohe
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
M 9(2)(a)
bruce [email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “
A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Stubbs Bruce
To:
Moran Mike
Subject:
Volvo Type 1 4WD allocation
Date:
Friday, 1 August 2025 2:20:00 pm
Attachments:
image001.png
Fw Lake Tekapo Incident Statistics and LocationClimate summary.msg
Kia ora Mike,
SDOLT has approved the allocation and subsequent cascade of the 3 new Volvo 4WD Type 1 appliances:
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Ohakune 757, current 1998 Isuzu T1 4WD appliance is cascaded to Chatham Islands, current 1987 4WD T1/T2 Hino is retired (consider donation/purchase to Air Chathams – remains on island)
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Queenstown 411, current 2015 Isuzu T1 4WD appliance is cascaded to National Park, current 2011 2WD T1 Iveco cascaded into T1 fleet with location TBC.
New Volvo T1 4WD is allocated to Lake Tekapo 837, current 2007 Iveco T2 2WD appliance is cascaded into T2 fleet with location TBC.
2022 to 2024
Current appliance
Call sign
Cat
Location
Region
calls average
Make & Model
type
Age
Form of ownership
Volvo allocation option
Rationale
Busiest current 4WD excluding Ahipara that
QUEE767
PRT
Queenstown
5
65
2015 Isuzu FSS550 HFS184
Type 1 - 4x4
10
FENZ Owned
Y
already has a Volvo
Next busiest current 4WD excluding Ahipara
that already has a Volvo T1 4WD
(prototype) – Isuzu suited for Chatham
OHAK757
PRT
Ohakune
3
45
1998 Isuzu FTS750 Crew WS2552
Type 1 - 4x4 – CAFS
27
FENZ Owned
Y
Islands service agent.
Region requested (late) to change from T2
2WD to T1 4WD due to frequent alpine
LAKE837
PRT
Lake Tekapo
4
54
2007 Iveco Eurocargo ML120 E24DP
Type 2 (2WD)
10
FENZ Owned
Y
conditions.
High priority replacement required - age of
1982
vehicle
Appliance is now prone to breakdowns with
parts and servicing an issue and is of
significant concern.
Retired and donated to Air Chatham’s
CHAT881
Pump
Chatham Island
3
3
1984 Hino FT175 EEQ247
Type 1 - 4x4
41
FENZ Owned
N
(remains on island)
T
2WD with
Longstanding request for 4WD to serve
NATI281
Pump
National Park
3
47
2011 Iveco Eurocargo ML120 FUL986
flick chains)
14
FENZ Owned
Y
volcanic plateau area and ski field(s),
Nāku noa
ACT
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
Te Ūpoko Rohe
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
M 9(2)(a)
bruce [email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “
A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Dravitzki, Nigel
Sent:
Monday, 25 August 2025 2:02 pm
To:
Stubbs, Bruce
Subject:
FW: 4wd concerns
Attachments:
4wd concerns.docx
1982
ACT
Nāku noa
Nigel Dravitzki
Kaiwhakahaere Takiwā - Fire Commander/District Manager
Manawatu/Whanganui
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
INFORMATION
From: Swift, Marilla <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 25 August 2025 9:46 am
To: Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
Subject: Fw: 4wd concerns
OFFICIAL
Get Outlook for Android
THE
From: Swift, Marilla
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2025 9:28:39 AM
To: Swift, Marilla <[email address]>
Subject: 4wd concerns UNDER
Get Outlook for Android
RELEASED
Dear Bruce,
I have heard uno icially that the new Volve 4WD is going to go to Ohakune. Whilst I am really
disappointed at this news, since it is what you’ve decided then I’m trying to accept the decision.
I know I will have to try and explain this decision to my brigade and members of the community,
potentially those associated with the ski area here.
1982
These are the facts as we understand them.
- National Park and Whakapapa provide first response up to Whakapapa ski field and
Iwikau Village. Ohakune to Turoa ski field.
ACT
- Iwikau has residents of up to 1500 staying over night in lodges heated by wood burners,
Turoa has no overnight residents
- Whakapapa has a snow factory fuel ed by anhydrous ammonia which has already
leaked once in the last 6 years and alarmed 3 times. Turoa has no equivalent significant
hazardous substances up their side of the mountain.
- WHL are currently experiencing visitor numbers of over 1000 and on weekend several
thousands with al car parks shut. Turoa are struggling to get 500 even on a good day,
they have not had to use anything other than their top car park this season.
- WHL operate for 5 months as a ski area, Turoa 3.5 months with hundreds of tourists
using the gondala and cafes every day. With those numbers the tra ic risk and cardiac
arrest risks are hugely disproportionate between the two.
INFORMATION
- The infrastructure on both sides of the mountain is of significant financial and
community value and is in need of protection but with the gondala and the knoll ridge
café, the financial risks on Whakapapa far outweigh that of Turoa.
- WHL operate over summer, Turoa do not.
- Ohakune used to have a major hazard facility which could be cut o by road but in the
last 18months this has closed.
- We have had several cal s up the mountain road this winter, Turoa have not.
OFFICIAL
- Both the national Park truck and Ohakune’s 4WD have similar turnout numbers but with
National Parks truck being their pump, this truck completes far more km than Ohakune
757. (757 numbers are actually inflated as they are turned out for numerous incidents
up the mountain on this side each year. They would not have these calls if there was a
THE
4WD pump here.) Within the last month, Ohakune were not available for a house fire in
their town because they were driving around to this side.
- WHL is operating with huge visitor numbers despite the poor ski season, after 2 very bad
ski seasons, Turoa is rumoured to be in serious trouble and could close.
I do not know how to explain to my brigade and community why Whakapapa or National Park are
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not receiving this truck. With no MHF, lesser infrastructure and operations at Turoa, and a
fraction of the human numbers-related risk I do not understand their prioritisation.
If there is a serious incident and the 4WD is necessary on this side, the response time of
Ohakune will be at least 30 minutes longer than National Park reducing the likelihood of good
outcomes in any type of incident. If the weather and roads are bad on SH4, this wil be even
longer delay.
When I ask Ohakune why they feel they need the new 4WD, they simply say their truck is old and
needs replacing. We were in that position 9 years ago and we agreed to take a modern type 1
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while we waited for a new 4WD. Could this be an option for Ohakune. If a new truck for Ohakune
is a decision point, I don’t understand why giving them a specialist appliance that is arguably
needed more elsewhere is the solution. Our type 1 had more locker space than the Volvo, we
have 2 empty shelves on standard stowage. Ohakune may have to give up some equipment to fit
everything in the Volvo and if they don’t then a modern type 1 could work for them if there isn’t a
type 2 available.
If I can understand why this decision has been made, I will be able to be much more authentic in
1982
showing my support. I am hugely disappointed , if we can’t have the truck, please help me
understand the reasons for this.
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Stubbs, Bruce
Sent:
Tuesday, 26 August 2025 9:05 am
To:
Dravitzki, Nigel
Subject:
RE: 4wd concerns
1982
Ok great.
Nāku noa
ACT
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
Te Ūpoko Rohe
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
INFORMATION
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
From: Dravitzki, Nigel
OFFICIAL
Sent: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 8:41 am
To: Stubbs, Bruce
Subject: RE: 4wd concerns
THE
Hi Bruce,
Had a meeting with Marillia and Renee yesterday arvo.
Both seem very pleased now they know that a 4wd is in fact still coming to National Park. So no need to consider
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Marillia letter further.
FYI - Meeting with Renee and Lugi later today
Nāku noa
Nigel Dravitzki
Kaiwhakahaere Takiwā - Fire Commander/District Manager
Manawatu/Whanganui
RELEASED
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
From: Stubbs, Bruce <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 8:02 am
To: Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
1982
Subject: RE: 4wd concerns
Thanks Nigel, as discussed yesterday hopefully the news you share with Marilla that National Park will be
ACT
receiving a 4WD Type 1 (cascaded from Queenstown) will alleviate the concerns raised.
Whilst it is not one of the new Volvo’s, it is however a newer appliance than their current T1 Iveco appliance and is
of course a 4WD, which meets the risks we have identified.
Nāku noa
Bruce Stubbs
MEmergMgt, GCert AplMgmt, Dip AET, GIFireE
Region Manager
Te Ūpoko Rohe
INFORMATION
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
I ō mahi katoa, mahia – Whatever you do, do it well
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
OFFICIAL
www.fireandemergency.nz
Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
THE
From: Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 25 August 2025 2:02 pm
To: Stubbs, Bruce <[email address]>
Subject: FW: 4wd concerns
UNDER
Nāku noa
Nigel Dravitzki
Kaiwhakahaere Takiwā - Fire Commander/District Manager
Manawatu/Whanganui
RELEASED
M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
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Fire Fact “A House Fire Can Become Fatal within 5 Minutes”
From: Swift, Marilla <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 25 August 2025 9:46 am
To: Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
1982
Subject: Fw: 4wd concerns
ACT
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From: Swift, Marilla
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2025 9:28:39 AM
To: Swift, Marilla <[email address]>
Subject: 4wd concerns
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INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
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From:
Simmonds, Morgan
Sent:
Monday, 29 September 2025 9:47 am
To:
Utumapu, David
Subject:
FW: Urgent high level support needed in regards to 4WD truck
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Importance:
High
FYI – you have a catch up scheduled this arvo
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From: Utumapu, David
Sent: Monday, 29 September 2025 9:27 am
To: Dravitzki, Nigel <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Urgent high level support needed in regards to 4WD truck
Importance: High
Morena Nigel,
Can we have a catch up regarding this please.
INFORMATION
Faafetai tele lava
David
David Utumapu
Region Manager (acting)
Te Ūpoko Rohe
OFFICIAL
Central Fire Station, 2 Oriental Parade, Wel ington 6011
PO Box 19090, Wellington 6149
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M: 9(2)(a)
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
From: Stiffler, Megan <[email address]>
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Sent: Monday, 29 September 2025 9:14 am
To: Utumapu, David <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Urgent high level support needed in regards to 4WD truck
Importance: High
Can you unpack this please and provide me advise on whether Marilla has a point with her email.
I’m gathering they are getting a standard appliance and loosing their 4WD.
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Can you turn this around by Wednesday please.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Sti ler
Deputy Chief Executive, Operational Response / Deputy National Commander
Tumu Whakarae Tuarua Whakahaere Urupare / Toihau a-Motu Tuarua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
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National Headquarters, Level 7, Spark Central, 42-52 Willis Street, PO Box 2133, Wellington, 6140
From: Swift, Marilla <[email address]>
Sent: Sunday, 28 September 2025 10:20 am
To: Stiffler, Megan <[email address]>
Subject: Urgent high level support needed in regards to 4WD truck
Importance: High
Tēna koe Megan,
INFORMATION
As Chief of National Park Fire brigade, I am writing to you as a last e ort to appeal for a change in the decision to
send a brand new Volvo 4WD vehicle to replace Ohakune 757 ahead of National Park 281 and give National Park,
Queenstown’s older manual truck. I do not understand why this decision has been made because evidence and
intelligence around both areas risk factors, especially risk to life, and turnout figures of both trucks do not support
the decision as it is. I believe, possibly wrongly, that FENZ historic culture has had a part to play.
OFFICIAL
Both Ohakune and National Park are designated 4WD stations due to their locations at the base of Mt Ruapehu.
The predominant use of both Ohakune 757 and National Park 281, in respect to 4WD capability is to access the ski
fields and serve the high elevation roads. National park has not had a 4WD since 2017 when their 4WD truck was
found to be overweight following a near miss. In that time the brigade has used a 2WD with chains as an interim
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measure. So far this has worked but it is stressful having to think about the road conditions and driving more than
we would if we had a 4WD. In 2021 we were given the prototype volvo and it was noticeable how less stressful
response in winter was. The truck was amazing. I slept much better at night knowing that the truck was so much
more capable and provided a much safer response for the crew.
My first point reflects the respective towns and roads that these brigades serve.
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National Park is 200m higher in altitude than Ohakune which means it sees snow earlier and the roads Nati281
respond to are higher still; SH47 and SH48 are all higher altitude the national park. Whakapapa Ski area has a
higher base area than Turoa. NZTA information that I collected in 2019 when making a bid for snow and ice
driver training, shows that the roads around National Park are shut due to snow and ice more often than those
around Ohakune. The need on the normal state highways is greater for National Park. In the time I have been
Chief of National Park we’ve had to use chains within the village limits itself several times and on the highways
multiple times.
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National Park turnout to Whakapapa ski area, Ohakune to Turoa. In terms of the ski areas, the facts are even more
compelling;
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Whakapapa at Iwikau Village (1500m) has a snow factory fuelled by 660kg anhydrous ammonia which has
already leaked once in the last 6 years and alarmed 3 times. Turoa has no equivalent significant hazardous
substances up their side of the mountain.
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Whakapapa are currently experiencing visitor numbers of over 1000 during week days and on weekend
several thousands with all their car parks shut. Turoa are struggling to get 500 even on a good day, they
have not had to use anything other than their top car park this season.
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Whakapapa operate for 5 months as a ski area because the snow factory (anhydrous ammonia) allows
them to operate from the first weekend of June through to labour weekend. Turoa operates for only 3.5 1982
months as it opens mid-July. Additionally, the sky waka at Whakapapa opens from December through to
April for sightseeing and access to the very impressive Knol Ridge Café. So in total Whakapapa ski area
operates for 9 months of the year, Turoa 3.5 months. With this di erence, there is a huge disparity in the
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quantity of tra ic risk and response likelihood due to medical events etc at altitude. The ski area has no
medical facility in summer.
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Furthermore, Turoa has a much higher number of closed days than Whakapapa. Of the months the ski
area operates, many more days it is closed.
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The infrastructure on both sides of the mountain is of significant financial and community value and is in
need of protection but with the gondala and the knoll ridge café, the financial risks on Whakapapa far
outweigh that of Turoa.
Another huge risk factor that exists at Whakapapa is Iwikau Village. Iwikau Village (1500m) has a significant life risk
(sleeping and active population). During winter the overnight population is approx. 1500 people sleeping in the huts
which use wood burners for heating. Turoa on the Ohakune Road has 0 overnight population. That information alone
INFORMATION
speaks for itself. The risk is at it’s highest when there is significant snowfall as hut members want to be on site when the
ski areas opens. This is when the road is most dangerous and an easy to handle, very capable 4WD is imperative. We’ve
had 2 fires at huts in the last few years in addition to medical calls and lift assists. To reiterate Turoa has no overnight
accommodation in winter or summer.
National Park has had several calls up the mountain road this year, numerous PFAs, a smoke filled building and MVAs.
Ohakune have has many less calls up the Turoa Road.
OFFICIAL
As trucks Ohakune 757 and National Park 281 have a similar number of turnouts. Ohakune 757 does have slightly more
but at the moment they are on the Iwikau beat list as a 4WD. if National Park have a 4WD Ohakune are not necessary
on first response and their numbers would drop significantly (relative to their overall call numbers for their 7 truck).
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Despite the slight difference in numbers, National Park 281 as their only truck, goes to every call. Ohakune 757 is often
just a back up to town-based PFA’s, it is only first truck for MVAs. It has many more times when it does not respond
during the day because of lack of crew (because it’s their second truck) and is often K28, turned around because it is not
required. National Park 281 has more first arrivals and although I haven’t OIAd the numbers I would suspect more
arrivals in total. This brand new, highly specialised appliance will not only get more 4WD turnouts but more work in
general at National Park.
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The Volvo is automatic, state of the art 4WD capability. National Park’s less experienced, brigade-trained drivers would
find the Volvo much easier and therefore safer to respond in that the older, manual from Queenstown. We’ve had the
Volvo prototype and it’s easy to drive in the snow. We can all drive manual’s but why add that to less-experienced
drivers when there is an easier option. Ohakune have many experienced truck drivers who are much better positioned
to drive the manual.
At the moment the solution to the need for a 4WD at National Park and there not being one available is that Ohakune
drive round. If there is a serious incident and the 4WD is necessary on this side, the response time of Ohakune will be at
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least 30 minutes longer than National Park reducing the likelihood of good outcomes in any type of incident. If the
weather and roads are bad on SH4, this will be even longer delay.
When I ask Ohakune why they feel they need the new 4WD, they simply say their truck is old and needs replacing. We
were in that posi on 9 years ago and we agreed to take a modern type 1 while we waited for a new 4WD. Could this be
an op on for Ohakune. If a new truck for Ohakune is a decision point, I don’t understand why giving them a specialist
appliance that is arguably needed more elsewhere is the solu on. Queenstown’s truck is a type 2, Ohakune need a type
2. The volvo is a type 1, Na onal Park need a type 1.
Apparently the delivery of the Volvo to Ohakune is imminent and I am imploring you to pause it and get the actual
numbers (not hearsay), hear my arguments and change this decision. I have been told the Chatham Islands desperately
need Ohakune 757. If this is the case, please give Ohakune an interim (it will only be interim for a couple of month’s 1982
un l Queenstown’s is available). Please do not put a brand new specialist appliance in the wrong sta on just because of
2 months wait. The Chatham’s have waited for all these years, surely an alterna ve is that they wait 2-3 more months.
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I talked to my GM and DM about my concerns and Nigel Dravitzki took them to Bruce Stubbs. As far as I understand it,
Nigel appealed the decision on our behalf. Bruce said he wouldn’t reverse the decision and I could call him. I didn’t feel
able to do this. I’m disappointed that, as I’ve been told, the area GM and district DM who understand all the “on the
ground” issues have had no say in this decision.
One final point of little relevance. Ohakune receive a brand new type 1 appliance every 10 years. National Park have not
had a new truck and likely will not see a brand new truck again.
Please, please act to halt this decision and review it against evidence-based and intelligence-led criteria.
Ngā mihi,
INFORMATION
Marilla Swift
Marilla Swift MSc (she/her)
Āpiha Ahi Rangatira Tūao
Chief Fire Officer
Waimarino National Park Fire Brigade
M: 9(2)(a)
OFFICIAL
[email address]
www.fireandemergency.nz
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